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STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - September 2006

W. Terrell Ingram - Liberal Arts - Humanities Specialization

Danville Community College professors have encouraged William Terrell Ingram of Danville to follow in their footsteps.

“My goal is to become either a (school) teacher or college professor,” says the 21-year-old Ingram. “I have observed several professors at DCC; they not only know their material, but they know how to establish a relationship with their students.”

Ingram is enrolled in the Liberal Arts – Humanities Specialization, and expects to complete his studies for an Associate of Arts and Science degree in December 2006. He plans to transfer to either James Madison University in Harrisonburg, or Loyola University in Chicago. He later wants to earn a master’s degree in higher education administration.

He cites Russell Scruggs, Assistant Professor of History, and Vickie Taylor, Assistant Professor of Sociology, as two DCC professors who have inspired him to pursue the teaching profession.

“They are so down to earth and humble,” Ingram says. “They bring their excitement into the classroom and make learning exciting.”

Scruggs calls Ingram “an outstanding, dependable student” who actively participates in class activities and demonstrates critical thinking skills. Scruggs adds that it is very humbling to hear Ingram speak of him in such a flattering manner.

“This is what makes teaching worthwhile!” exclaims Scruggs.

As an active member of DCC’s Afro-American Culture Club, Ingram has been involved in several projects, says Scruggs, one of the club sponsors.

“With every project that he has been involved, Terrell has initiated the leg work and followed through,” Scruggs says. “He comes to me all the time with new ideas and exciting projects for the club. He also volunteers to do all the leg work to make the projects successful. He is a smart, ambitious young man who is sure to be successful in life.”

Although Ingram is unsure of which subject he will teach, he is sure that he wants to teach in a community college setting.

“I love history, social sciences, sociology, and political science; I would not mind teaching either of those subjects,” says Ingram. “I especially love history because we study history to learn about ourselves. How can we move forward in life if we do not study our past mistakes and accomplishments? I’m addicted to learning! I ultimately want to teach in the Virginia Community College System!”

After one year of study previously at a four year college in Virginia, Ingram wanted to come closer to home and go to school in the Danville area. He says while many of his former instructors at the four-year college were intelligent, they were not approachable. But Ingram explains that DCC’s welcoming faculty and staff attracted him to the college and made a lasting impression on him.

“Teachers at DCC are so friendly, helpful and seem to just love their jobs!” Ingram adds. “I was attracted to Danville Community College because the people are so warm and welcoming.”

Having been raised by his grandparents, Ingram says he has learned a lot about respectfully interacting with others in society.

“My grandparents, Fannie Ingram and the late William Ingram, taught me how to talk to people and how to conduct myself like a gentleman,” says the soft-spoken Ingram. “People often tell me that I carry myself as if I was older. I thank my grandparents for my home-training.”

Ingram attends Ebenezer Baptist Church in Providence, NC, where he serves as secretary of the church’s Sunday School and as assistant teacher of the Junior Sunday School class.

As a member of DCC’s Afro-American Culture Club and Phi Theta Kappa - the international honor society for two-year college students, Ingram regularly encourages others to attend a community college and to be active on its campus. He says the experience is invaluable and they will save money in the process.

“At a community college, people can learn from both their teachers and the other students on the campus,” says Ingram. “You will meet people that may share your goals and may be able to help you later in life with your career. It’s called networking.”

The Liberal Arts program is one of three college transfer options at DCC, and includes two specializations – Humanities and Social Science specializations. It is designed for students who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree in any of the liberal arts. For more information about the Liberal Arts/College Transfer program, please contact the Division of Arts & Sciences at (434) 797-8402, or toll free at (800) 560-4291, ext. 8402.